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INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Our donors believe in the importance of investing in the next generation. Our scholarships were established at the Wichita Foundation through the generosity of our fund holders. These gifts provide financial assistance for students attending accredited colleges, universities and technical schools. 

Apply for a Scholarship

Each scholarship has varying criteria and award eligibility. We know that pursuing higher education can be hectic, which is why we’ve streamlined our scholarships into one application.

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Visit our Scholarship Portal below to complete our general application.
  2. Get automatically matched with the awards for which you qualify.
  3. Complete any additional questions for your matched scholarships.
  4. Be sure to click “Submit” for each scholarship opportunity.

Scholarship applications are due March 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

The Wichita Foundation is responsible for the investment, administration, and governance of all scholarship funds. We are not establishing new scholarship funds at this time.

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Statewide opportunities

Randy Banks Memorial Scholarship Fund

Award: Two $2,000 scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Kansas High School seniors who have participated in sports
  • Awarded to one male and one female applicant planning to pursue post-secondary education in Kansas
  • Awards based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay
  • Previous recipients are eligible to be awarded one additional scholarship but must reapply for consideration.

Forget Me Not Scholarship Fund

Award: Two $500 scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from any accredited high school in Kansas. Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (unweighted).
  • One award given to a high school senior graduating from high schools in Cimarron, Dodge City, Pratt, Bishop Carroll (Wichita), or Kapaun Mount Carmel (Wichita) 
  • Awards based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay.

Doug Hays Memorial Scholarship

Award: One $1,000 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Applicant must be pursuing a degree or training in a public service field or healthcare.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unweighted).
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay.
  • Previous recipients are eligible to be awarded one additional scholarship but must reapply for consideration.

Wichita Metro Area Opportunities

E. Eugene Carter Scholarship

Award: One $1,200 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Wichita East High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (unweighted)
  • Students planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university in the United States, with plans of studying in the field of engineering or science
  • Preference given to female applicants who are Hispanic, first-generation immigrant or first-generation college attendee
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay.

J.D. and Dorothy Edmiston Scholarship for Track & Field Athletes

Award: Two $500 scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Students graduating from Wichita East High School who have competed in track and field and/or cross country with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (unweighted)
  • Given to one male and one female
  • Awards based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay

James D. Moore Endowed Scholarship

Award: $400

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Wichita USD 259 who are the first generation in their family to attend college and who participated in track & field and/or cross country for at least two years.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 (unweighted)
  • First preference will be given to Wichita North High School seniors
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay

Timothy Seguine Northwest High School Scholarship

View History

Award: One $1,500 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Wichita Northwest High School
  • Award is based on financial need and academic performance

Evergy Scholarship

Award: Four $2,500 scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Students residing in zip codes 67208, 67214, and 67219
  • Graduating seniors planning to attend a post-secondary school in the United States.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay
  • Previous recipients are eligible to be awarded one additional scholarship but must reapply for consideration

Matthew Aaron Gamm Memorial Scholarship

Award: One $1,000 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from USD 259
  • Award based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay

Beth Alexander Memorial Award Scholarship

Award: One $1,000 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Garden Plain High School in Garden Plain, KS
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay

Gregory Fleming Memorial Scholarship

Award: One $400 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Mulvane High School in Mulvane, KS.
  • Award based on extracurricular activities and personal essay.
  • Preference given to students who have overcome a struggle or adversity in their school years.

James K. Pitetti Memorial Scholarship

Award: One $1,000 scholarship

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from Derby High School in Derby, KS, who are among the top 10% of their graduating class and have lettered in at least one varsity sport
  • Award based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay

Optimist Memorial Scholarship

Award: Two $1,000 scholarships

Eligibility:

  • Graduating seniors from a high school within Sedgwick County, KS
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 (unweighted)
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay
  • Previous recipients are eligible to be awarded additional scholarships, but must reapply for consideration.

Other Opportunities

The Autobiography Scholarship

Award: One $5,000 scholarship

Eligibility:

 

  • Graduating seniors from Sterling High School in Sterling, KS.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (unweighted).
  • Award based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essay.

Rich & Hannah Kerschen "Law Company Family" Scholarship

Award: Up to $3,000 in scholarship funds

Eligibility:

  • All children/stepchildren or grandchildren/step-grandchildren of current or retired employees of The Law Company, a commercial construction company in Wichita, KS.
  • Award based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can my scholarship be used for?

Scholarship awards may only be used for tuition, fees and educational materials not paid for by state or federal grants. 

How are scholarships paid?

Awards are sent directly to your educational, academic or training institution.

Do I have to use my scholarship award by a certain date?

Yes, all scholarships will be forfeited if not used within six (6) months from the date they are awarded. Exceptions to this rule are rare and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Who selects recipients of a scholarship award?

Various Scholarship Selection Committees determine the recipient(s).  Selection Committees may be comprised of members from the organization presenting the scholarship, representatives from the Foundation and/or community leaders. The committee recommends the scholarship recipient(s) to the Wichita Foundation for final approval.

Do I have to have a FAFSA to apply for a scholarship?

All scholarships that are based on financial need require a FAFSA. If you have not yet filled out the form, please do so at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Your information will be kept confidential and will only be used by the Selection Committee to determine financial need regarding your scholarship.

How will I be notified if I'm selected to receive a scholarship?

Scholarship recipients will be personally notified via email. Your high school will only be notified at their request.

Questions about our scholarships?

Our Scholarship Coordinator is here to help.

Nancy Umholtz
Nancy Umholtz

Executive Assistant & Scholarship Coordinator

Email Nancy
Visit our scholarship portal

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